Student Spotlight:
Elliot Winskill

What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?

We ask chemical engineering major Elliot Winskill for his thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.

What made you decide to attend WSU?

I chose WSU because it offers great chemistry programs with a large number of research opportunities. WSU also has a great community that made me feel welcome the second I set foot onto campus. When I decided to switch majors, chemical engineering stood out to me because it combined my love for chemistry and an engineering mindset for problem-solving with a chance to work on real-world applications.

Please share how scholarships or financial aid has impacted you as a student.

My scholarships and financial aid have impacted me by giving me more time to focus on my academics, research, and club leadership with less of the stress of finances. Having the ability to be so involved in clubs and organizations within here and not have to worry about tuition as much is incredibly beneficial.

What clubs are you involved in on campus? 

I am involved in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers(AIChE) WSU Chapter, where I am the Vice President. I am also the Vice President of the WSU Chemistry Club. Each of my roles has helped me strengthen my leadership, communication, and project management skills while giving me the ability to mentor other students and plan events that benefit our WSU Community. 

Have you participated in any research projects related to your field of study?

Yes! I do research within Dr Ha’s Lab, O.H. Reaugh Laboratory for Oil and Gas Research. Where i do catalyst reforming for clean hydrogen production. My experience doing this research has helped me critically think through new problems, persevere through difficult projects I don’t understand, and let me practice the technical skills I learn about in class. 

Why would you recommend attending Washington State University?

I would recommend coming to WSU because of the amazing community and the large number of opportunities for hands-on experience you are given. For me, I have benefited from attending WSU by working with my peers in AIChE, and to being the Vice President of the Chemistry Club. I have been able to apply my knowledge learned in classrooms in practical ways.

What have you learned during your time at WSU that will help you most in your future?

I have learned a lot here at WSU, but some of the most important things are collaboration and persistence. Engineering problems rarely have a single universal solution, so working with my team to think, test, fail, and then improve has taught me how to adapt to everything and keep moving forward.

What advice do you have for fellow or prospective students?

My biggest advice for new students is to get involved in everything early, join clubs, research, or projects that are in line with your interests. This gives you the framework to connect with mentors and peers who have an interest in seeing you succeed. For my major specifically, I would recommend finding your study group, finding the people who you love to spend time with, who want to see you succeed, who push you to be better every day.

What do you want to do with your degree after you graduate?

When I graduate, I plan to work in the energy sector with a focus on nuclear energy, renewable fuels, and petroleum. My goal is to provide contributions to developing cleaner, safer, and more efficient processes that thread the needle between environmental responsibility and society’s energy needs, whether that be in the industry or within graduate school.